Gang Show

The shows are produced with the dual aims of providing a learning opportunity for young people in the performing arts, as well as contributing to the artistic and cultural growth of their local community.

Gang Shows are entirely volunteer run, and often feature a majority of work written by Scouting and Guiding members.

The format is a revue or variety show; song, dance and short comedy sketches are the most common.

The number of items varies between 12 and 25, some stand-alone, others a series of songs to a chosen theme or a running gag.

The format was created by Ralph Reader, who wrote material including the signature tune, "Crest of a Wave".

[3] Following the Second World War, the London Gang Show restarted in December 1950 at the King's Theatre, Hammersmith, in the presence Princess Margaret.

[4] In 1952, the show moved to the larger Golders Green Hippodrome and in 1954, Queen Elizabeth II was the guest of honour.

[5] 1972 was the 40th Anniversary of the Gang Show and was attended by the Queen and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh; highlights of the show were televised by the BBC and famous former cast members, Dick Emery, Graham Stark, David Lodge and Brian Johnston were interviewed.

Members of shows in the United Kingdom used to only be allowed to wear the scarlet scarf if they were nationally recognised, i.e. they came up to prescribed minimum standards of performance and production.

While 'National Recognition' is no longer a thing, UK shows still need to be regularly assessed (every five years) in order to maintain standards.

[11] While individual in character, they share the ethos of Reader's concept and have common elements, often including a finale performance of "Crest of a Wave".